Design Ideas for Fencing on My Front Porch

Farmhouse

• If you have an old farmhouse and need to redesign the front porch, stick to the home's original style for the best outcome. Farmhouse style combines an old-fashioned weathered look and simple trim, notes "This Old House" magazine. If you enjoy a wooden swing along with comfortable wicker or antique chairs, lean toward a classic banister look. Most porches with a farmhouse feel keep the look minimal and plain. Posts are often wood, such as hemlock or cedar, and need to be finished or painted for long-term use. The baluster or fencing area that surrounds the post is often designed with simplicity in mind, such as straight lines that offer style and basic function. The spindles for the balusters are what will set off the porch, so choose a baluster that matches your railings and can accommodate your design if you have a wrap-around or screened-in porch.

Colonial

• A Colonial home signifies the style of many homes between the late 1600s and mid-1800s. Colonial style has a distinct, clean look that often has square outlines. Most Colonial porches are small and simple in design and feature tall columns to support the roof pitch, explains the Vintage Tub & Bath website. If you choose fencing or balusters for a Colonial porch, focus on fencing in the areas around the porch with a short, cast-iron fence. The same design can run from the sides of the porch and down the sidewalk that leads from the house.

Victorian

• If you have a Victorian-style home, your porch is likely bold and ornate. The Eras of Elegance website explains that the Victoria Era brought about a time when elegance and style, mainly transcending from Queen Victoria, was brought to home design. Fencing ideas for your Victorian porch will include balusters that have intricate designs and stenciling, like that seen on The Front Porch website. If posts that support your fencing or baluster are plain, add color that matches your home. Choose spindles ornate in design and trim the entire porch in matching beading and color.

Log Cabin

• If your home has a rustic look, such as with a log cabin, keep your porch area looking natural. A log cabin porch should have wood that matches the home. Many log cabins have pitched or slanting porch roofs along with matching log post supports. Add a rustic baluster or fence to the front and sides or leave it open, depending on how simple you want to keep your design. Lacquer or treat wood to prevent rot.